Natasha

My recipe for Perfectly Spicy Spaghetti is very near and dear to my heart. Perhaps it’s because this is the same recipe I made for my boyfriend, Jarod, when we had our first official date. I had mentioned to him my love for cooking on more than one occasion but never had the opportunity to really showcase my skills.

He asked me what my signature dish was and knowing full well chocolate chip cookies wouldn’t fit the bill for dinner, I told him about my spicy spaghetti. Being part Italian, he was very excited to try my recipe so I decided to invite him over for a dinner date.

I don’t always believe in “signs from the universe” but when he showed up at the door with the exact same bottle of wine I had also picked up for dinner, I knew we were meant to be. And here we are almost 4 years later and this is still one of his favorite meals. I know, cheesy like the parmesan on top of this spaghetti but let me tell you this man has my heart.

So ladies (or gentlemen)….if you’re trying to win someone’s heart, invite them over for dinner, make them this spaghetti and pick up a bottle of Apothic Red Wine. You can thank me later! 😉

Ingredients:

For The Sauce:

2 Spicy Italian Sausage Links (Chopped Into Chunks & Casings Removed)

1 (28 oz) can whole tomatoes, crushed with juice

1 (14.5 oz) can of diced tomatoes

1 Shallot (Diced)

2 Cloves Garlic (Minced)

2 Tsp. Fresh Oregano

2 Tsp. Fresh Basil (Chopped)

½ Tsp. Dried Red Pepper Flakes

1 Tbs. Olive Oil

1Tbs. Butter

1 Tsp. Salt

1 Tsp. Pepper

2 Tbs. Cilantro (Diced & Some Extra For Garnish)

Noodles:

About Half A Box of Angel Hair Pasta

Salt To Taste

*Serves 3-4*

Directions:

First, heat the italian sausage in a medium sized saucepan over medium heat until golden brown. Transfer the sausage to a plate and let it drain on a paper towel. Save a small amount of the sausage grease in the pan (extra flavor!) and then add the olive oil and butter. Once the butter has melted add the garlic, oregano, shallots and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant (about 2 minutes).

Next, add the sausage back into the pan. Cook for about 1 minute before adding the tomatoes, cilantro, salt, pepper and basil. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer, stirring occasionally for about 20-25 minutes.

While the sauce is simmering boil the water for your noodles. Once the water is boiling, add salt to your liking and then add the noodles. I use angel hair pasta, which cooks really quickly so it should be ready just in time for your sauce!

When the noodles are ready, drain them in a colander before adding them to your plate. Use as much noodles and sauce as you like. Then shred some fresh Parmigiano Reggiano on top. Garnish with fresh cilantro or basil.